Father Juan Manuel Zavala, the parish priest of Ocotepec in Chiapas, was tragically found dead, 12 hours after he went missing. His disappearance began when he traveled from the San Marcos Evangelista Parish to San Andrés Carrizal to conduct a mass. After completing the ceremony, he failed to return, leading to concerns from his congregation.

The search for Father Zavala commenced immediately after he failed to return to Ocotepec, with parishioners actively looking for him. Initially, his backpack was discovered abandoned on the streets of Coapilla, intensifying the urgency of the search. Authorities and community members worked collaboratively, only to later find his vehicle near a lagoon in the area, confirming the tragic news of his death.

This incident has raised alarms about safety and security in Chiapas, particularly for religious figures. The local community is left in mourning, highlighting the ongoing issues related to violence and crime in the region. This assassination brings into focus the risks faced by those in positions of authority within vulnerable communities, echoing broader concerns regarding public safety in Mexico.